What a 4/5 Endorsement Means on Your Ohio Driver's License

A 4/5 endorsement is a restriction on your Ohio driver's license that limits what you can legally drive

Ohio's 4/5 endorsement appears on your license when you have failed the air brake component of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) knowledge test but passed the general CDL exam. It means you are licensed to operate a commercial vehicle, but you cannot drive any vehicle equipped with air brakes. If you drive a truck or bus with air brakes while holding only a 4/5 endorsement, you are operating without the proper license classification and face fines and other penalties.

The endorsement is Ohio's way of documenting that you have demonstrated knowledge of commercial vehicle operation in general, but not the specific systems required to safely operate air brake equipment. This distinction matters because air brakes work differently from hydraulic brakes — they require different inspection procedures, different stopping techniques, and different maintenance knowledge.

Key Takeaways

A 4/5 endorsement means you passed the CDL written test but failed the air brake knowledge exam, so you can drive commercial vehicles without air brakes only.
You cannot legally operate any commercial vehicle with air brakes while holding a 4/5 endorsement, even if you believe you can operate it safely.
To remove the 4/5 endorsement, you must pass the air brake knowledge test at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The air brake test covers inspection procedures, system components, and emergency stopping techniques specific to air brake systems.
You can retake the air brake test as many times as needed; there is no waiting period between attempts in Ohio.

How the 4/5 endorsement appears on your license document

When you receive your CDL with a 4/5 endorsement, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles prints the restriction directly on the front of your physical license card. The endorsement code "4/5" will appear in the restrictions section alongside any other limitations you may have, such as corrective lenses or medical conditions.

This notation is visible to law enforcement during a traffic stop and to your employer when they review your driving record. Some employers will not hire drivers with a 4/5 endorsement because it limits the types of loads and equipment they can operate. If you work in a field where air brake vehicles are common — such as long-haul trucking, school bus operation, or heavy equipment transport — the endorsement can affect your job prospects and earning potential.

Why you received a 4/5 endorsement instead of a full CDL

Ohio requires all CDL applicants to pass both a general knowledge test and an air brake knowledge test. The general test covers vehicle operation, safety rules, and basic commercial driving principles. The air brake test is separate and focuses specifically on how air brake systems work, how to inspect them, and how to operate vehicles equipped with them.

If you passed the general test but did not score high enough on the air brake test, Ohio issues your CDL with the 4/5 restriction. This is not a failure of your overall CDL — you have earned the license — but rather a documented gap in one specific area of knowledge. The restriction protects public safety by ensuring that only drivers who understand air brake systems operate vehicles that depend on them.

What vehicles you can and cannot drive with a 4/5 endorsement

With a 4/5 endorsement, you can legally operate commercial vehicles that use hydraulic brakes only. This includes some smaller delivery trucks, certain box trucks, and some straight trucks used for local hauling. You can also drive vehicles with air brakes if they are not being used for commercial purposes — for example, a personal vehicle — but the restriction applies only to commercial operation.

You cannot legally drive any of the following for commercial purposes: tractor-trailers with air brakes, school buses with air brakes, city transit buses, dump trucks with air brakes, or any other commercial vehicle where the primary braking system is air-operated. Violating this restriction can result in fines ranging from several hundred to over one thousand dollars, points on your license, and potential criminal charges if an accident occurs.

How to remove the 4/5 endorsement from your license

To remove the 4/5 endorsement, you must return to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and take the air brake knowledge test again. You do not need to retake the general CDL test — only the air brake portion. The test consists of multiple-choice questions about air brake system components, inspection procedures, and safe operation techniques.

Study materials are available through the Ohio BMV website and through commercial driver training schools. Many drivers find it helpful to take a classroom course or work with a trainer who specializes in air brake systems, since the test covers technical details that are not always obvious from reading alone. Once you pass the air brake test, the Ohio BMV will issue you a new CDL without the 4/5 restriction, usually within one to two weeks.

Retesting and the air brake knowledge exam

Ohio does not impose a waiting period between air brake test attempts. You can retake the test as soon as you schedule another appointment at your local BMV office. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it, and each attempt costs the standard CDL test fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from fifteen to thirty dollars.

The air brake test is offered at most Ohio BMV locations during regular business hours. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of identity, and proof of Ohio residency. The test is administered on a computer at the BMV office and results are usually available when ready. If you pass, you can request your new license card on the same day or have it mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Employer and insurance considerations with a 4/5 endorsement

Many commercial trucking companies and transportation employers will not hire drivers with a 4/5 endorsement because most commercial fleets operate vehicles with air brakes. If you are seeking employment in the transportation industry, removing the endorsement before explore can significantly improve your prospects. Some employers may allow you to work in limited roles — such as local delivery with hydraulic brake vehicles — but long-haul and interstate positions are typically closed to drivers with this restriction.

Insurance companies may also charge higher premiums or impose additional restrictions on policies for drivers with a 4/5 endorsement, since it indicates a gap in required knowledge. If you own or operate a commercial vehicle, check with your insurance provider about how the endorsement affects your coverage and rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a vehicle with air brakes if I am not using it for commercial purposes?

Yes. The 4/5 endorsement restriction applies only to commercial operation. You can drive a personal vehicle with air brakes, but you cannot operate it as a commercial vehicle — for example, you cannot use it to haul freight for pay or transport passengers for hire.

How long does it take to get a new license after passing the air brake test?

If you request your new license card at the BMV office on the day you pass the test, you can usually receive it within one to two weeks by mail. Some Ohio BMV locations may offer expedited service for an additional fee. Your driving record is updated when ready, so employers can verify the removal of the endorsement right away.

What is covered on the air brake knowledge test?

The test covers air brake system components, how to inspect them before driving, how air pressure affects braking, emergency stopping procedures, and troubleshooting common air brake problems. Study materials provided by the Ohio BMV outline all topics. Many drivers benefit from taking a commercial driver training course that includes air brake instruction.

Will removing the 4/5 endorsement affect my current CDL in any other way?

No. Removing the 4/5 endorsement straightforward removes the restriction — it does not change your license class, other endorsements, or medical certification. Your new license will be identical to your current one except the 4/5 notation will no longer appear.

Can I work as a commercial driver while I have a 4/5 endorsement?

Yes, but only in roles that do not require you to operate air brake vehicles. Some employers hire drivers with a 4/5 endorsement for local delivery, short-haul work, or other positions using hydraulic brake equipment. However, most major trucking companies and transportation employers require a full CDL without restrictions.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.